Current German Energy Policy - the "Energiewende": A UK and climate change perspective

May 10, 2013 | 00:00

This comment considers German energy policy, as set out in the Energiewende, as seen from the perspective of attempts to reduce CO2 emissions, and the ambitions of the EU to be considered global leaders on this issue.
It argues that the nuclear moratorium is irrational and will significantly increase damaging emissions; and that policies ...

Current German Energy Policy - the "Energiewende": A UK and climate change perspective

By John Rhys, Oxford Institute for Energy Studies

This comment considers German energy policy, as set out in the Energiewende, as seen from the perspective of attempts to reduce CO2 emissions, and the ambitions of the EU to be considered global leaders on this issue.

It argues that the nuclear moratorium is irrational and will significantly increase damaging emissions; and that policies of promoting renewables, while preferring coal over gas on grounds of cost, are inconsistent. You can download the publication here.